An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

315 AW celebrate, honor veterans in upstate

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Bobby Pilch
  • 315th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
GREENVILLE, S.C. --  Airmen from the 315th Airlift Wing mini C-17 crew at Joint Base Charleston, S.C. traveled to Greenville, S.C. Nov. 10 to celebrate and honor service members for Veterans Day and pay tribute to the air mobility heritage of the upstate, which was once called the "Airlift Capital of the World."

The veteran weekend celebration was organized by Timothy Bishop, the director of museum development for the Upcountry History Museum, and featured two days of festivities that included a tribute to Air Force air crews, a C-17 Globemaster III flyover and several guest speakers.

Bishop discussed the important air mobility roles the former Donaldson Air Force Base played during the Berlin Airlift, Korean War and Cold War and how the day marked a coming home for both veterans and the Air Force.

Sen. Lindsey Graham, one of the guest speakers and an Air Force veteran, thanked everyone for attending on such a beautiful day and postponing their Saturday football activities until later.

"This is the one time per year to reflect and appreciate our veterans and military," said Graham. "To those who served, God bless you, to those who serve and are answering the nation's call, God keep you, and to those who will wear the uniform in the future, without you there will be no free America."

Graham's words echoed in the minds of Airmen at the event and evoked feelings of what Veterans Day means to them and why they took the oath of enlistment.

"I come from a family with a rich military history," said Staff Sgt. James E. Jordan, 315th Maintenance Squadron aircraft structural mechanic and mini C-17 crew member. "I joined because I like being a part of something that is bigger than myself and encompasses everything we stand for as an American."

Tech. Sgt. Darrah O. Henley, also a mini C-17 crew member and 315th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron electronic warfare technician, said, "Veterans Day is giving honor to the men and women of all services who give the ultimate sacrifice for American freedom."

While museum visitors could easily distinguish military personnel present at Saturday's event by their uniforms, it may not be so evident on a day-to-day basis. Many times, those who serve or have served walk among us like shadows.

"It's easy to recognize our veterans as active-duty service members who are currently very visible due to our ongoing operations overseas," said Col. James J. Fontanella, 315 AW commander. "However, the majority of veterans we honor today no longer actively serve, wearing military uniforms. Many continue to serve as teachers, police officers, firemen and neighbors. Many are members of the National Guard or Reserve, serving on a part time basis. Whether they wear the uniform today, wear it part time, or wore it decades ago, veterans represent a true dedication to service and exemplify the highest ideals of dedication to our nation."